The Germans in Pennsylvania

Abstract

How often had I heard of the German immigrants in the United States as being thrifty, reliable, honest, God-fearing people, and desirable neighbors who had contributed much to the welfare of our country. I turned to the histories used in both the elementary and the high schools to trace historically the contribution of German peoples. I never failed to find that the Hessians had fought on the side of the English during the Revolutionary War. Histories describe the eventful Christmas Eve, when the Hessians were carousing, and also the attack and the defeat of these mercenary troops. Generally in a short paragraph, given somewhat later, I would find a short statement or paragraph about the services Von Steuben rendered to Washington at Valley Forge. I also learned incidentally about the training the raw recruits underwent during the eventful, cruel winter under Von Steuben's guidance. During the Civil War I generally read something about General Siegel and Carl Schurz and with that, comment on the contribution of the German peoples in America ended. I have listened to the jeers of people who without provocation speak disparagingly of the Heinies in the United States and then go on to tell of the capacity of the Heinie to drink beer, eat pretzels and devour sauerkraut. I then thought of the people of German blood who have come into our home. They were polite; their children, born in the United States, spoke excellent English even though their parents spoke with a slight accent. These same parents were respected members of their community. I resented the implication that generally was intended when people said, Oh, that's Heinie.